A ball launching device which eliminates the need for golf clubs so that disabled individuals can play golf without having to swing a golf club. The ball launching device is configured in the form of the rifle so that it can be carried by a player while the player is walking or riding a golf cart. Alternatively, the golf ball launcher can take any suitable shape in addition to that of a rifle. A preferred version of the golf ball launcher uses a piston assembly that impacts a golf ball and shoots it toward a golf green. The golf ball can be caught on the golf green by a container, or by a receptacle or net which is integrated with the flag pole on the golf green. Alternatively, the player in use the golf ball launcher until the ball reaches the green, and at that point the player can use a conventional putter while on the golf green. The ball launching device is suitable for disabled individuals and/or individuals who wish to play a round of golf in a rapid manner without the inconvenience of carrying an entire set of golf clubs, a golf bag, etc.
This application is a divisional of patent application Ser. No. 09/975,712, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Playing Golf Using a Ball Launcher," filed on Oct. 9, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,528, which application is incorporated herein by reference.
